Batteries, Alternators, Staters and the Electrical System

You're in a hurry and just a little late. You jump into your vehicle, turn the key and you are greated by a grunt, a buzz, a click or just silence. You have electrical system problems. THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU NEED A NEW BATTERY. Often the battery is not the problem. Millions of batteries are replaced needlessly.

Your vehicle's electrical system powers everything from the ignition and fuel systems to accessories such as your radio, headlights and wipers. Some vehicles even have electric power steeing. The electrical system is, in turn, powered by the engine. Here are the three key components of the electrical system:

Battery:

The battery is the backbone of the elextrical system.  When the engine is off, the battery provides the required power to the rest of the system. Even with the key in your pocket, the battery is still supplying power to electronic modules, a few of which are always on and always consuming power. Starting the engine puts a tremendous demand on the battery, not only to crank the engine, but to feed power to all of the electonics that wake up at the same time. The battery also supplements the power from the charging system during periods of high demand.

Charging system:

This is the heart of the electrical system. It consists of three main components: the belt-driven alternator, the electrical distribution components, and a voltage regulator. The alternator supplies power to the electrical system and recharges the battery after your car has started. Just like it sounds, the voltage regulator controls the voltage, keeping it in the Goldilocks range; not too low, not too high but just right.

Starting system:

The starter consumes way more electrical power than any other thing in your vehicle. The starting system consists of three components which work in tandem: the ignition switch, the starter relay (solenoid), and the starter motor. The ignition switch controls the starter solenoid, which activates the starter motor. The powerfull starter motor then spins the engine until it catches and is able to run on its own.

If your vehicle has electrical system problems, bring your vehicle to Clearview Tire & Auto Service for a correct diagnosis and professional guaranteed repairs which includes our Certified Auto Repair Nationwide Warranty.  We're in Hopkinsville, not far from Ft. Campbell and we've been here since 1952. Most repairs include one year FREE towing and roadside assistance, good 24/7 coast-to-coast.